Galbi are mouthwatering Korean grilled ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The flanken cut is super tender, making each bite a little piece of heaven.
Cooking these ribs feels like a family celebration! Each bite has a burst of flavor that makes you want to share. I love serving them with rice and kimchi—delicious and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flanken-style beef short ribs: These are the star of the dish! You want beef that’s well-marbled for tenderness and flavor. If you can’t find flanken-style, you can use regular beef short ribs, but they may take longer to cook.
Soy sauce: This is essential for salty depth. For gluten-free options, use tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is another great alternative to keep it lighter.
Mirin: This adds sweetness and depth. If you can’t find it, a mix of rice vinegar and sugar (1 tablespoon each) can work in a pinch. Don’t skip it, as it balances the flavors!
Sesame oil: This oil brings a nutty flavor. I always opt for toasted sesame oil for its richer taste. Avoid using regular cooking oils as a substitute; they won’t give the same richness.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh is best! You can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but they’ll lack the freshness of the real deal. If you’re in a hurry, pre-minced varieties from jars can save time.
How Do I Make Sure the Ribs are Full of Flavor?
Marinating is the key to flavorful galbi! Here are steps to make it work perfectly:
- Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This boosts sweetness!
- Place the ribs in a bag or dish and pour the marinade right over them. Try to coat every piece for the best flavor.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb.
- Before grilling, let the ribs drain slightly to prevent flare-ups. This helps with achieving that beautifully charred finish!
Don’t rush this step; it truly makes a delicious difference!
How to Make Galbi (Korean Grilled Flanken Ribs)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 pounds flanken-style beef short ribs
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- Black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and ribs, then you’ll need at least 4 hours (or overnight) for marinating. Finally, grilling will take around 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes, including marination time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a dash of black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This marinade is what gives your ribs that delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Ribs:
Take your flanken ribs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are completely coated with the mixture. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then pop it into the fridge. Let the ribs marinate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you want extra flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your ribs will cook evenly and get that nice, caramelized exterior.
4. Grill the Ribs:
Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the ribs on the hot grill. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and have a beautiful caramelized color. Don’t forget to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once your ribs are perfectly grilled, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle some chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top for a lovely finishing touch.
6. Enjoy:
Serve your galbi hot alongside steamed rice and your favorite banchan (side dishes). Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite of these tasty ribs!
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Korean grilled flanken ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for Galbi?
Absolutely! While flanken-style beef short ribs are traditional, you can also use regular beef short ribs or even marinated ribeye steaks. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
How Long Should I Marinate the Ribs?
For the best flavor, marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the ribs to absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade. If you’re short on time, even a 1-hour marinade can still yield tasty results!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients might settle. This makes it super convenient for grilling on a busy day!
What Should I Serve with Galbi?
Galbi pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a variety of banchan (Korean side dishes) like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or sautéed greens. To make the meal even more festive, consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted sweet potatoes!
